RSCDS Oban and Lorn Branch 70th Anniversary

13th and 14th March 2026 saw RSCDS Oban and Lorn Branch welcoming 168 dancers to the Corran Halls in Oban for a weekend of celebrations for our 70th Anniversary. Local dancers were joined by dancers from Australia, France, USA and the length of the Uk. 

Mr Eric Forde Spence, one of Miss Milligan’s ‘boys’, and Miss Catherine McCulloch were the main instigators of the formation of the branch in March 1956. Over the years the branch has held classes at all levels including children’s classes. They have also taken part in demonstrations locally, including an ‘overseas’ trip to dance at the Clan MacLean Gathering held at Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull.  Here they completed with rabbits and their holes amongst ankle high grass. 

This March we were delighted to have Gary Coull, RSCDS Chair, joining our 70th celebrations. Friday night commenced with Gary joining Joan Robertson, Hon. President and Sue Porter, Hon. Secy in cutting the anniversary cake. Dancing then followed to Ian Muir’s Band from Prestwick. Branch members and local dancers provided the usual west coast homebaking supper.  

Saturday saw Janet Johnston putting the dancers through their paces at the morning classes accompanied by David Oswald and Gillian Stevenson. Saturday evening began with Gary proposing at toast to the Branch with Joan replying, before the buffet supper was served.  We were pleased that RSCDS Chair Elect Sebastian Wanless and Tamara decided to join us for the Saturday evening. Just before the dancing commenced there was a surprise performance of a new dance ‘Auntie Sue’. Gordon Porter had written this dance for his wife Sue while David Oswald and Gillan Stevenson had written the tune ‘The Meerkats’ for it. A team was gathered, impromptu, all friends of Sue’s at the weekend from various airts. A lovely surprise. Dancing then commenced to David Oswald’s band.   

The raffle in aid of Oban Mountain Rescue team raised £737. They were delighted to receive this sum of money, as they had just taken delivery of their new command vehicle and our donation would go towards the annual running costs of the vehicle and team, of approximately £30, 000. 

The Branch were delighted that so many kent faces and new visitors joined in making our 70th Anniversary celebrations, held at the 64th Weekend, such a success. Thanks to you all.